(Disclaimer: I do not own Skyrim; just Xana and my OC's)
(Authors Note: Hello dearest readers! Let me start by apologizing for the delay in this new chapter. I intended to upload sooner, but I recently had some gallbladder issues and wasn't feeling well enough to do much in terms of writing. Also, my birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year, so I was also busy with that. But all things aside, I am feeling much better than I was and am now happy to be uploading this new chapter for all of you to enjoy. In the meantime, stay safe. Stay healthy. Keep being awesome. And feel free to read and review.)
-Three nights later-
Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore were busy loading the last of their belongings in the wagon, while Xana said her goodbyes. Flower-Song was currently hugging her and softly crying, "My little dragonfly, I wish you didn't have to go."
The young Dunmer resisted the urge to cry as she hugged her Mother, "You know I couldn't stay forever. Skyrim still needs me and I need to see Danica."
"Of course, sweetie. Now, you take care of that precious grandchild of ours, okay?"
"We will," she glanced over at Odahviing and felt her cheeks blush when he gave her a wink. Gods, he was so charming. She looked back at her mother and stated, "Besides, we'll see you all again soon. We're planning to return for Shastan and Marbella's wedding. By then, the baby should be here, so you'll be able to meet your grandchild."
"Oh, I can't wait," she smiled and gently rubbed Xana's belly. Flower-Song then reluctantly let go of her daughter and approached her son-in-law, "Hunter...Odahviing...I want you to know that I am grateful to you for looking out for our Xana. And I'm also glad that you've permitted my sons to stay with the both of you while they get acclimated to their new surroundings. You're more than I certainly expected when it came to Xana's choice in a mate, but nonetheless, I'm happy to call you my son-in-law." She then surprised him by giving him a warm, motherly hug.
At first, Odahviing wasn't quite sure how to respond, but after a moment he returned the kind gesture. "Krosis, I am unsure how to reply to such statements…"
She loosened her grip and smiled up at the tall male, "It's alright, dear. You don't have to say anything."
"But I do...You and your brod have been very welcoming to me and I wish to thank you for your hospitality and kindness…"
"Oh, think nothing of it. That's what a family is supposed to do for one another. If anything, we should be thanking you for keeping our baby safe, choosing her as a mate and giving us a grandchild."
He emitted a slight chuckle, "I suppose that's fair."
She gave him a warm smile and a nod before standing on her toes and kissing his cheek, to which she then headed over to say goodbyes to her boys. Once Flower-Song left, Odahviing was then approached by Tenova:
"Well, lad, I guess this is goodbye for now. I know you're a dragon who's centuries older than I am, but I'm honored to call you my son. You've shown me that you not only care about our daughter, but you were willing to risk your own life to protect her and the child she carries. You're a good lad, Odahviing. I know you'll continue to take good care of our Xana as you have so far...And I know you'll be a great father when the little one finally arrives."
"Thank you...but in all honesty, I'm still somewhat nervous about it."
He clapped him on the shoulder and offered a reassuring smile, "All first-time parents are, lad. But things will get easier as time goes on. Just remember that you're not the first to become a father and you certainly won't be the last."
"No, I suppose not. Thank you for the reassurance."
"Anytime, son." He then gave Odahviing a firm handshake before approaching his daughter, "Xana, I know you're the Dragonborn and can take care of yourself, but I want you to promise me that you'll come to your mate or your brothers for help if you need it. They're there to support and look after ya."
"I know, Papa," she smiled and hugged him tightly. "I'm going to miss you all…"
At the sound of her soft crying, Tenova held her close and gently stroked her hair, "We'll miss you too, dragonfly...Just remember we'll see you all again in the spring. Who knows, maybe by then we'll even see our grandchild."
She wiped away her tears on her sleeve and gave him a nod, "You will."
XXXXX
Once everyone said their goodbyes, Xana, Odahviing, Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore climbed into the wagon, took off from the farmstead and headed over to the rendezvous point where Renessie would meet them. With the sky now dark, she would have had an easier time slipping out of her house, undetected by her family.
Upon successfully climbing out of her window, Renessie quietly made her way over to the rendezvous point: sure enough, the wagon was there to greet her. With a smile, she grabbed the satchel she had hidden nearby and climbed into the awaiting transport where her husband(s) greeted her. "Nessie, we're glad you could make it," Sea hugged her and kissed her cheek, while she softly started to cry out of happiness.
"Thank you for coming…"
"Of course," Shore reassured with a smile as he gently dried her tears, "We wouldn't dream of leaving you behind. You're our reason for wanting to leave."
At that, she hugged him and nuzzled his neck before glancing back towards Xana and Odahviing, "Thank you so much for allowing us to come with you both and for everything you're doing for us."
Xana glanced back at her and smiled, "Of course! You make my brothers happy and that's all I could ever want for them." She then turned her attention back to the road and said, "Until we clear some distance and find a suitable place to stop, I'll need you three to keep an eye on our sides and rear while Odahviing and I watch the front. Night time isn't the most ideal time to travel, but in your case, we needed to make an exception. There's some longbows and arrows underneath your seats in case you need them."
"Damn sis, you're prepared," Sea stated while she merely shrugged and kept her focus on the road:
"You should always be prepared. If there's one thing I learned on my travels, it's that the border roads are the most targeted places for bandits to strike. We're currently traveling across the Morrowind border, so I need you three to arm yourselves in case we run into trouble."
"Noted," Shore replied before pulling out the bows and arrows before dividing them among himself, his brother, and Renessie . "By the way, Odahviing, how long do you have until that potion wears off? I'm just curious if you're going to turn into a dragon soon or not."
He smirked but kept his gaze forward in order to help his mate keep an eye out for trouble ahead of them, "I have yet another day until the effects wear off, to which I will then revert back into my true form. When that happens, I will have to remain as a dovah for at least a day or two until Xana can administer another potion on me. However, as a dovah, I'll be able to fly overhead and keep an eye out for danger."
"How long do you think we'll be traveling," Renessie curiously asked.
Xana pondered this a moment before answering, "Well, with the addition of the wagon and the combined weight of all of us and our cargo, I'd say we won't reach Skyrim for at least two days and that's not counting latrine breaks or stopping to rest. Once we reach Riften, we'll head over to the Temple of Mara so you and Shore can wed, but afterwards, we need to get back on the road."
"Why so soon afterwards? Couldn't we stay the night?"
She shook her head, "No. Riften is home to the Thieves Guild, and I'd hate for you three to become targeted by a pickpocket looking to prey on some unfamiliar faces."
"Good point."
"Well, I'm just trying to look out for you three. Now, that being said, it'll still be a ways yet until we reach our final destination. Seeing as how we're traveling by wagon, the shorter route is out of the question because the path leading through the mountains is far too steep and icy. Therefore, we'll have no choice but to take the northern road from Riften and make our way around the Throat of the World and head west towards Whiterun. While that road is also steep, it's not constantly coated in a layer of ice. Once we reach Whiterun, we can rest there for a few days while I stop by the Temple of Kynareth and have Danica examine me to make sure the baby is developing fine."
"I take it you stay in Whiterun often," Sea asked with a slight chuckle.
Xana playfully rolled her eyes and smiled, "Somehow, my adventures always lead me back to Whiterun. It was there that I started my Dragonborn quest that eventually led me to Odahviing," she gently squeezed his hand, to which he leaned over and kissed her cheek while rubbing her baby bump. She then momentarily glanced back at the three of them, "Unfortunately, we'll have to make camp outside the city because the Inn only has one room to rent and the Companions won't lend out their beds to non members."
"Wait, who are the Companions," Shore curiously asked.
"Ah, apologies, I forget their stories are not widely known throughout the Empire. The Companions are an order of warriors that date all the way back to Ysgramor and his Companions, who were said to be the first humans to sail to Skyrim after leaving their homeland of Atmora. Think of them as Skyrim's Fighter's Guild, except they're rather peculiar on who they allow into their ranks. To even be accepted within their group is a tremendous honor and I am proud to call myself a Shield-Sister."
She fondly smiled as she continued her tale, "I was on my way to Whiterun to inform the Jarl of the dragon attack on Helgen, when I first met the Companions. They were fighting a giant that had been terrorizing a farm and I loaned my aid by shooting a couple arrows and killing it. Of course, they weakened it for me. Regardless, Aela approached me with the option to join. All I had to do was speak to and gain the approval of the Harbinger, Kodlak...may the Gods watch over him…I'm just glad he's now safe in Sovngarde."
"You mentioned that you've actually been to the Nord afterlife. What's it like," Swims-To-Sea inquired.
Though she kept her gaze upon the road, Xana answered with a smile, "It's beautiful...Or, it is now that Alduin can no longer feast upon the souls of the dead. Imagine a serene forest clearing with crystal clear waters and fragrant wildflowers. The sky above is a swirling vortex of stars and ethereal clouds, and the air is filled with the songs of warriors past. In the distance sits Shor's mead hall, where fallen heroes, warriors and kings gather round to spend eternity in merriment and feasting. Enemies are now friends, and there is no more fighting and unnecessary bloodshed; only songs and stories of battles long since past. Kings and commoners are equals, and there is no quarrel to be had or wars to be fought."
"Wow, it sounds amazing," Renessie replied.
"It is. I met quite a few renowned Nords while I was there and even saw some of my friends."
"Like who?"
*sigh* "Well, aside from Kodlak, I ran into my dear friend, Lydia. She was assigned to be my Housecarl by Jarl Balgruuf after he made me Thane of Whiterun. She was like a big sister to me and we grew close over the time we spent together."
"What happened to her?"
Xana felt Odahviing's gaze upon her as he placed a hand on her knee, "...I had received a letter from Falk Firebeard in Solitude, in regards to my recent investigation into Wolfskull Cave, where I had interrupted a group of necromancers that were trying to resurrect Potema the Wolf Queen. He told me that one of her servants had recently attacked the temple, and since I was the one who prevented her from being resurrected, I had some sort of link with her, which meant that I was the only one who could fully defeat her. In order to do so, I had to enter her catacombs and retrieve her skull to be sanctified by the priest of Arkay."
"At the time, Lydia was my travel companion and had joined me on dozens of adventures, so I didn't think much of it. We entered the ruins and fought our way through, but when we got to the inner sanctum, we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of draugr that were waiting for us. We fought them off, but every time they fell to our blades, Potema's shade would raise them again and again, until they turned to ash at our feet. We were losing stamina and she used that to her advantage: she unleashed her strongest warriors as we were struggling to catch our breaths. I was shouted across the room by a death overlord, while Lydia was hurled to the ground by a pair of deathlords. The last thing I saw was one of them pinning her underneath his boot, while the other swiftly brought his ax down and deeply embedded it into her chest. I must have gone into a blind rage because the next thing I knew, I was holding Lydia's lifeless body in my arms and crying uncontrollably."
"In the end, there was nothing I could do, but I refused to leave her in that Gods' forsaken tomb. So, after I packed up Potema's skull, I carried Lydia's body out of that wretched crypt. Once I delivered the skull, I brought her all the way back to Whiterun for burial. I was offered to bury her in Solitude, but Whiterun was her home and I was determined to bring her back there for her final rest."
Xana's voice began to crack as she started to cry, "...When I entered Sovngarde, I met her again...She assured me that it wasn't my fault and that she was okay. She said she missed me and that she was proud of me for vanquishing Alduin...At least I got to say goodbye…" The young Dunmer was gently pulled into a warm embrace by her mate as he gently stroked her back and kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry...I just..I haven't told anyone that story since her burial."
"No, sis, you don't need to be sorry for expressing your grief. I'm glad you told us," Shore reassured. "I'd reach over and hug you, but I can't at the moment because of all of our belongings. I'll be sure to do so whenever we stop to rest."
"Well, it'll be a few hours till daylight breaks. We'll stop to rest and eat but then we need to head back on the road and cover as much ground as we can during the day."
XXXXX
The night passed swiftly and soon the sun started to rise, illuminating the sky with its warmth and splendor. Swims-To-Sea, Runs-To-Shore and Renessie were all fast asleep in the back of the wagon, while Xana and Odahviing were wide awake in the front. At the moment, she was resting her head on his shoulder while he steered and told her stories of the Dragon Wars to pass the time:
"...And that's when I dropped down and set him ablaze before he could notch another arrow."
"Hmm, I love it when you talk like this. You get this fire in your eyes that I find alluring in every aspect."
Intrigued, he gave her a charming smile, "Is that so, dii brit fahliil?"
"Yes," she sensually whispered before slowly running her hand between his thighs, making his breath hitch.
"Xana...I wish you wouldn't tempt me with such...enticing propositions at this time. We must focus on our journey ahead...though I yearn to taste your flesh once more."
"Hmm, as do I, my love. However, you are correct: we should press on. But mark my words, when we return home I fully intend to have my fill of you."
"Is that a challenge I hear in your voice," he sensually growled.
"No, it's a promise," she winked.
XXXXX
Sea, Shore and Renessie awoke to the delightful smell of meat cooking, to which they looked over to see Xana and Odahviing sitting across from a cozy fire, while Braum was casually grazing on some grass nearby. "Oh good, you three are up. I was just about to wake you."
"When did we stop," Renessie tiredly asked as she stepped down from the wagon with the twins assistance.
"About an hour ago," the young Dunmer replied as she gestured for them to sit by the fire for a bit. "Come, have some rabbit. There's plenty for all of us."
"When did you catch these?"
"Actually, Odahviing caught them while I made the fire. He's been getting better at setting up traps lately."
Impressed, Sea graciously took some meat off the spit, "Nice work. I'm glad Xana's been showing you how to adapt to your human form."
"As am I," he responded in earnest as he gazed upon the trio. "I am ashamed to admit it, but without your briinah's assistance, I would have been as helpless and weak as an infant. It's thanks to her patience and teachings that I'm able to function in this form."
At his words, Xana blushed and gave him a smile, "Well, I don't deserve all the credit. You were just willing to learn and I must say that your skills have improved immensely these last few months."
"That is encouraging to hear. I'm glad that I am able to provide and help care for you in this form, for it is my duty as an ahmul and bormah to look after my brod."
"And you do a marvelous job at it, my handsome dovah," she winked, to which he responded by tenderly kissing the top of her hand:
"Dii brit fahliil."
XXXXX
-Two days later-
The icy wind mercilessly assaulted Xana as she steered the wagon across the border into Skyrim, while Odahviing circled overhead before heading over to Forelhost to wait atop the outside Word Wall while they headed over to Riften. After Renessie and Runs-To-Shore marry, Xana would escort them out of the city with Swims-To-Sea, and from there, they would travel north and rendezvous with Odahviing after they were far enough away from the city that the guards wouldn't attack him on sight. Pulling her fur cloak tighter across her shoulders, the young Dunmer shivered against the cold. She had never seen the Rift completely covered in snow before, but wasn't surprised to see the frozen flakes of shimmering ice lazily drift down from the sky.
A smile lined her face as she felt gentle kicking from her baby, to which she softly rubbed her belly, "We're almost to Riften, little one. Once there, we'll warm up for a little bit." She gazed over towards Forelhost and sighed: she knew Odahviing was up there watching her, but she still felt uneasy about him being so close to his old grave site. It was chilling to think about. Another kick brought her attention back to reality. She glanced over her shoulder and asked, "How are you three doing? Do you have enough blankets? Did you adorn the fur armor I left out for you?"
"Y-Yeeessss, sis...we're ffffiine...Justtt getting usss-sed to the c-cold," Swims-To-Sea chattered between his teeth. Sure, he had felt cold before, but nothing could have prepared him for this level of cold. And this was just the southern region of the province. He could only imagine how much colder the northern region must be at this time of year. No wonder Argonians were scarce in these lands. Regardless, he refused to turn back. He, Shore and Renessie couldn't go back to Blackwind now. They were so close to starting their new lives together and they would not let something as petty as the weather change their decision to live here. Skyrim would be their new home and they would just have to adapt and make it work. This would be a challenging goal, but not an impossible one.
Renessie pulled her own cloak tighter across her shoulders, to which both brothers scooted closer to her and wrapped their arms around her, using their own heat to keep her warm. "T-Thanksss, S-Sea, S-Shore."
"Y-You're welcome Nesssssie," Runs-To-Shore smiled through chattering teeth. He looked over at his sister and asked, "X-Xana...are you okkkaay?"
She nodded, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I'm more adapted to the cold than you three, but you'll get used to it in time. Did you know there's a group of Argonians who live in Windhelm? It's always cold there and they managed to adapt very well to the freezing climate."
"I-Interesssting," Renessie replied through chattering teeth. "H-How much further ttoo Rifttten?"
"We're nearing the city as we speak."
Sure enough, the stone walls came into view, bringing a sigh of relief to the three shivering Argonians. It wouldn't be long now and then Renessie and Runs-To-Shore could be married. Their dream was nearly complete.
XXXXX
-Later-
Upon exiting the Temple of Mara, the group headed back to the stables and returned to the road once more. Renessie was currently in her wedding dress and now wearing both of her wedding rings while her husbands sat on either side of her as Xana led them away from Riften.
"I can't believe we're finally married!" She happily beamed while embracing her mates.
"S-Same here, Nessssie," Shore replied through chattering teeth. "I can't even begin to tell you how many times S-Sea and I have dreamt of thissss day."
"I can imagine," she shivered against her mates before they pulled out a large fur blanket and draped it across themselves.
"X-Xana...where miiight we find someplace ttooo warm up sssome mmmore," Sea curiously asked.
She pulled her cloak tighter across her shoulders and answered, "We'll make camp in the tundra for tonight...It's full of natural hot springs and should keep us all plenty warm until daybreak. For now, I have some ice wraith essence in my satchel that you're welcomed to use to stave off the cold. I can't drink it because I don't know what effects it would have on the baby."
At her suggestion, he reached into her satchel and pulled out three bottles of the essence, to which they drank them and instantly felt relief from the cold. Meanwhile, Xana was approaching Fort Greenwall and knew it was a bandit lair, as were most of the ruined forts dotting the landscape. With a smirk, she stopped the wagon just out of range of their arrows and shouted, "OD AH VIING!"
Within a matter of seconds, a familiar crimson dragon flew overhead and began laying waste to the bandits. He emitted a torrent of flames and set them all ablaze in his wake. The three Argonians in the back of the wagon could only watch in both awe and shock at his ferocity. Also, they were grateful that he was on their side AND their brother-in-law no less.
Once all the bandits laid dead in flaming heaps, Odahviing landed across from the wagon, "Drem yol lok, dii brit fahliil. I am sorry your brod had to witness such carnage."
She shook her head and waved it off, "It's fine, dear. I'm glad you've taken care of the problem. Now we can pass through and continue our journey north." Xana reached over and gently caressed the side of his maw, while he leaned into her touch and emitted a content growl. "By the way, we're going to the tundra to warm up for a while. I was thinking we'd camp near Darkwater Crossing so Sea, Shore and Renessie could meet my friends there. Plus, they haven't seen me in a while, and I've been meaning to visit for some time now."
He fondly looked at her and emitted a 'hmm', "If that is your desire, but allow me to accompany you. I have spent the past few days recovering from my last transformation and I am ready to take on a joor form once more."
Xana giggled, "You just want to intimidate Derkeethus, don't you?"
A puff of smoke plumed from his nostrils as he rolled his eyes, "If I wanted to intimidate him, I wouldn't need to alter my form. I merely wish to meet the joor you once considered taking as your mate."
"WHAT?!" All three Argonians stated, shocked at this newfound information, to which young Dunmer felt her cheeks heat up as she pulled out a set of fur armor and one of the alteration potions for her mate.
Upon drinking said potion, Odahviing donned the armor and joined her in the front of the wagon before she coaxed Braum to move ahead. Looking over her shoulder at her family, she smiled, "I guess I should explain: You see, before Odahviing came into my life, I had several suitors who wished to marry me. One in particular, I actually considered. His name is Derkeethus: an Argonian from Darkwater Crossing. I had met him shortly after I began my Dragonborn quest and for a time, he accompanied me on my travels. After Lydia's death, I ventured out on my own for a while, but found companionship with Derkeethus whenever I passed through Darkwater Crossing. He's one of my closest friends in Skyrim and he's always had my back ever since we met. I think you all will like him."
"I'm ssssure we wiiilll, sssisss," Swims-To-Sea chattered as he donned another layer of fur before handing some pelts over to Runs-To-Shore and Renessie.
XXXXX
It was almost three hours before the group finally reached Darkwater Crossing, due to the weather and having to take the road at a slower pace for safety reasons. Upon crossing the stone bridge, all three Argonians noticed a drastic change in the temperature, to which they removed the extra layers of pelts they had been using to keep themselves warm. The air was sulfuric smelling, but felt nice and warm on their exposed scales. Xana parked the wagon beside a group of trees and dismounted with Odahviing, while the others climbed out of the back. Afterwards, the five of them approached the small mining settlement where they were immediately greeted by a young Nord girl:
"Xana! It's so good to see you again! You haven't visited in months!"
"Hrefna, it's good to see you too," the Dragonborn knelt down and hugged the little girl as she threw her small arms around her. "How's your mom and Sondas?"
She smiled, "They're good. Sondas recently asked Mama to marry him and she said yes!"
"Really?! That's wonderful news! I bet you're happy about that."
"Oh yes; I can't wait for spring to come! They're planning for a spring wedding because that's Mama's favorite time of the year."
"Well, I don't blame her: it's a lovely season. You'll have to let me know what day the wedding is so I can attend."
"Sondas was going to send a messenger to deliver your invitation, but since you're here now, he can give it to you in person."
"Perfect! Is he working in the mine with your mother and Derkeethus?"
She nodded, "Yep! But don't worry, they'll be finished soon. It's almost time for supper. Would you and your friends like to join? I was told we'd be having beef stew tonight."
"We'd love to, but I would like to contribute to the meal by providing everyone with some bread, cheese and mead, and a jug of milk for you, of course."
"Yay! I'll run inside and tell Annekke you're here. She'll be so happy to see you again."
Xana patted her on the shoulder and warmly smiled, "Alright then, sweetie. My companions and I will be by the fire getting warm while we wait for the others."
"Okay," she happily beamed before heading over to the house and stepping inside.
As they sat down, Odahviing fondly glanced at his mate, "It seems that kiir is rather attached to you, dii brit fahliil."
She smirked and squeezed his hand, "Well, I did rescue Derkeethus shortly after she informed me of his disappearance, and I delivered Sondas's letter to the White Phial in Windhelm for a medicine order after everyone had developed a cough from the ore dust. Plus, I would frequently visit in between my travels and share stories with everyone here, so I suppose she has grown on me a bit."
At her statement, he merely chuckled and held her close, to which she leaned into his frame and fondly smiled at the affection he was providing.