(Disclaimer: I do not own Skyrim; just my OC's)
(Authors Note: Greetings and Happy Holidays my dear readers. I apologize for the wait, but I have been rather busy lately and have only been able to work on this FF in my spare time. Regardless, I'm happy to be bringing you this new chapter and I hope you all are enjoying the story so far. I will post more some time after the new year, but until then enjoy! Also, stay safe and stay warm and let's hope 2021 will be a better year than this dumpster fire was. In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to read this chapter.)
Within half an hour, everyone from Darkwater Crossing appeared and was now was sitting around the fire with Xana and her family. Suffice to say, they were all pretty shocked to learn that she was now married and had a child on the way, but were happy for her and 'Hunter' nonetheless. Of course, they asked why they weren't informed of the wedding, to which she explained that she and 'Hunter' wanted to keep it a secret because they didn't want to attract unwanted attention to themselves. Thankfully, they were rather understanding of her situation and didn't question it further. They were also delighted to finally be meeting some of her family and were surprised to learn that she had been raised by Argonians.
Derkeethus emitted a slight chuckle and glanced over at the young Dunmer, "So that explains why you sometimes hiss at your foes."
She playfully rolled her eyes and smirked, "You noticed that, huh?"
"Of course I did. When we first met in Darkwater Pass, I heard you emit a hiss when you engaged in combat with a Falmer. I thought it was odd, but didn't really think much of it at the time. Of course, after I started accompanying you on your travels, I began to notice it more often, especially whenever you had to work with the Blades."
At the mention of the Blades, Xana emitted a slight hiss, making her brothers and Renessie chuckle. "You really don't like them, do you," Sea smirked, to which Xana shook her head:
"No, I don't. In fact, I regret ever helping them, no matter how minor my assistance was. I should have just taken the horn of Jergen Windcaller from Delphine and never looked back."
"Well, at least you don't have to interact with them again," Annekke stated before sipping her mead.
"My thoughts exactly," she agreed.
Changing the subject, Verner glanced over at the three new Argonians and asked, "So, what do you think of Skyrim so far?"
"Admittedly, it's much colder than we originally anticipated. Xana and Hunter here had informed us that it was cold, but we underestimated just how cold it actually is...and we've only been through Riften so far," Shore responded with a slight chuckle.
"Yea, it's pretty cold," Derkeethus agreed. "Not many of our kind would willingly live in such a frigid environment, but if you can learn to adapt, it's not a bad place to reside. But I would avoid living in Windhelm if I were you. The people there aren't very welcoming to anyone who isn't a Nord."
"Xana mentioned that in one of her letters," Sea stated. "She said, and I quote: "Windhelm is a city of bigotry and hatred unlike any other I've seen on my travels thus far. Not only are my kind (the Dunmer) forced to live in the slums known as the Grey Quarter, but the Argonians are not even allowed to reside within the city walls. Instead, they are forced to work and live on the docks and aren't even paid the same wages as a Nord would be. I know I won't be able to completely eradicate the poison this city is so horribly tainted with, but perhaps I can at least alleviate some of the pain. After all, as Dragonborn, it's my duty to help others. Perhaps my actions will make some difference." From later letters, it seems like she did make quite a difference."
Derkeethus gave a nod in agreement, "Indeed. Did Xana mention in her letters that she actually caught and killed the Butcher?"
At that, his fellow miners shuddered, while the others looked on in confusion. "Who's the Butcher," Renessie curiously asked.
"He was a killer who preyed on young women in Windhelm. He'd stalk them at night, catch them off guard and then butcher them like animals," Tormir stated with a shudder as she gently pulled her daughter closer to her while Sondas placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Aye, it's true. We learned about the murders from Xana and Derkeethus after they returned from the city to rest for a bit before heading up to Ivarstead," Annekke replied. "I'm just glad he was finally caught."
"Same here," Xana agreed as she leaned against Odahviing while he slipped an arm around her waist and rested his hand on her hip. "Though, you want to know the scary thing? I was actually in his house! His name was Calixto and he ran a curiosities museum. The reason I was there is because I was told that he might be able to provide me with information regarding a strange amulet I found while investigating the crime scene. It was only after another victim turned up dead that I realized the real killer was still on the loose. Once I discovered it was Calixto, my blood ran cold as I realized that I could have been one of his victims. If it wasn't for Derkeethus accompanying me, I honestly think I would have been a target."
At that, everyone sat in shock while Odahviing pulled her closer to his frame and placed his hand along her belly. The mere thought of his beloved Xana being butchered like an animal made his blood boil and his stomach churn.
XXXXX
-The next day-
It was almost mid morning when the city of Whiterun finally came into view, bringing a sigh of relief to everyone in the wagon. After stopping, Xana and Odahviing disembarked and headed inside the city while Sea, Shore and Renessie started setting up camp. According to Xana, the Khajiit typically camped in this particular spot every few days, so it would be okay for them to stay awhile and rest until morning.
As they made their way up to the temple, Xana squeezed Odahviing's hand, "Thank you for coming with me. It means so much that you're going to be by my side when Danica examines me. Plus, she'll finally get to meet you. Aside from my family and the Greybeards, she's the only other person who knows what you truly are and she's the only person in Whiterun I trust with that sort of information. Yes, I trust the Jarl, but he's not the one who'll be assisting me in childbirth."
At that, he fondly rubbed her knuckles with his thumb, "If she has your trust, then I believe I can trust her as well. But if she does anything to harm you or our kiir, I will not hesitate to incinerate her to a charred crisp."
"Now my love, I highly doubt she would do anything to voluntarily harm me or our little one. She's a healer and a priestess of Kynareth, so it would be morally wrong of her to intentionally do harm unto another."
He emitted a 'Hmm' sound before the two of them suddenly entered the Temple of Kynareth where Danica was praying by the shrine. Upon glancing over to see who had entered, she noticed the young Dunmer and her companion, to which she approached with a smile. "Xana, you're finally back! How was your trip?"
"It was wonderful! I was so happy to see my family again. I would have loved to stay longer but I couldn't risk traveling back when winter was at its peak. Besides, I was actually beginning to miss it here."
"Aw, I missed you too." The two of them shared a hug before she looked over at her companion: "Are you...Odahviing," she asked in a hushed tone, being mindful of others within the temple.
The 'man' gave a nod and answered in a deep, neutral tone, "I am. Xana has informed me that you are the only joor she has spoken to regarding my identity. I trust you have not violated her privacy by wagging your tongue."
"Upon my life and honor, your secret is safe with me. With that being said, I'm glad to finally meet you. Xana's told me a bit about you and I have to say, I'm glad she has you in her life. Now, with that being said, shell we take a look and see how your little one is developing?"
"Yes, please," Xana stated as she and Odahviing followed her over to one of the examination tables, to which she laid herself down and held his hand while Danica pulled out small cylindrical object and placed it upon Xana's belly: it was made of wood and hollow, which would allow her to listen to the baby's heartbeat. Gently, she moved the device around until she heard the sound she was searching for.
With a smile she glanced over at Odahviing and asked, "Would you like to hear your child's heartbeat?"
His eyes widened a bit at her request, to which he gave a nod, "Yes."
She held the wooden device in place while he leaned down and listened. A prideful smile lined his face upon hearing the new sound: aside from Xana's voice, it was the most beautiful thing he's ever heard. Once he was finished, he returned to his mates side and allowed Danica to continue her examination.
After putting away her listening tool, she cast a detect life spell on the young mother-to-be, illuminating her frame in gentle glowing tendrils. A separate mass of tendrils swirled around Xana's abdominal region and had a rather unique outline to them. "Well, aside from being perfectly healthy, it appears your child has a tail. Of course, we won't entirely know for sure until he or she is born, but from the auras I see, that appears to be the case."
Both parents shared a smile and a kiss, to which Xana finally spoke, "Thank you, Danica."
"Of course. Now, before you leave, I need you to promise me that you won't do any more extensive traveling during the remainder of your pregnancy. Right now you need to focus on preparing for this little miracle and take it easy. Traveling to and from Whiterun and your home in Falkreath is fine so long as you're in a wagon and not walking or riding on horseback as the jostling can harm the baby. I'd prefer if you were staying inside the city so I could come to your aide faster if something were to happen, or if you went into early labor," she then lowered her voice to a whisper, "But I can't say the guards would be so welcoming if they knew who your mate truly is or if he changed forms while here."
Xana emitted a sigh, "I know...I'm actually at a bit of a standstill on what I should do. I mean, I'd like to stay close by in case I needed your help and advice, but I really want to be at my home where I'm not among large crowds of people and I can relax in quiet peace. And where I can always be around my husband, even if he's in his true form," she softly spoke.
"Well, in the end, the choice is yours to make. Just know that I'll support your decision no matter what."
"Thank you, Danica."
"Of course. Now, I'll need you to come back in three weeks time, or sooner if you like." With that, she bid Xana and Odahviing farewell as they exited the temple and headed out of the city and over to the camp where Sea, Shore and Renessie were there cooking dinner.
"So, what did the healer have to say? Is everything alright," Shore asked as he dished them up some vegetable soup.
Xana looked at her mate and smiled before replying, "Everything went fine and from what Odahviing and Danica heard, the baby has a strong heartbeat. However, Danica thinks I should stay in Whiterun when it gets closer to my due date. She's worried that because of where I live, I won't have easy access to medical help should I require it."
"Well, maybe you should consider staying in Whiterun in the next few months," Sea stated as he took a sip of ale. "After all, this is your first child and it's the first of its kind, so we don't exactly know what to expect."
"But what about Odahviing and you three?"
"We'll figure something out later. After all, you've still got a few months left to decide what you want to do."
"I guess so," she sighed before sitting down and eating her dinner with her mate and family.
XXXXX
By daybreak the next morning, the camp was packed up and the wagon was on the road to Lakeview Manor. Upon seeing the large wooden structure, all three Argonians stared in awe. "This is your home?!" Renessie asked, shocked.
Xana smiled and nodded, "Yep. I know it seems a bit excessive, but once I started building, I couldn't stop. Now, however, it's perfect and I no longer have anything I wish to add." She pulled the wagon next to the stable and dismounted with Odahviing's assistance before disarming the traps around the perimeter, while the men unloaded the wagon and Renessie unhinged Braum and led him into his stable with a hearty bucket of oats and apples as a reward for his labor.
Once all the traps were disarmed, Xana unlocked the front door and led them all inside, "Welcome to Lakeview Manor. As you can see the entryway leads into the main hall where you'll find the dining area, and main fireplace. To the left is the main bedroom where Odahviing and I sleep and on the right is the kitchen where you're welcome to anything you'd like at any time. In the back is some storage, a trap door leading down into the cellar and the first level of my alchemy tower, which you're free to use if desired. Upstairs to the right is the large guest room where you three will be sleeping. There's also the upper level of my alchemy tower and another bedroom on the other side. Right above us is extra storage and an enchanting table should you wish to use it, and right above my bedroom is a door leading to the deck. Feel free to explore the house at your leisure, but avoid going outside after dark for we are not the only beings living in these woods."
"Noted. Again, thank you so much for allowing us to live with you both," Shore stated with a smile.
"Of course. After all, you three are family and having you all around will be good company and support when the baby finally arrives."
She suddenly emitted a yawn, to which Odahviing gently scooped her off her feet, "I think it's time you laid down in bed and took a rest. We've been traveling for the last few days and Danica instructed you to take it easy."
While she wanted to protest, Xana knew he was right. With a nod, she allowed him to carry her into the bedroom where he then gently laid her down for some much needed rest.
XXXXX
Almost a week after returning home, Xana finished reading through Alua's journals and sorting through the contents of her chest. While she despised the fact that her birth mother was in fact a member of the Blades, she reminded herself that she didn't actually fight or kill any dragons. That being said, her Akavari katana was now displayed in the large glass case upstairs while her Imperial Dragon armor adorned the mannequin beside it.
Down in the cellar, Xana had displayed some unique weapons found within Alua's chest (a strange war hammer made out of crystals (Nerveshatter), a greatsword as black as a moonless night (Shadowrend), a bow that appeared to inflict random magic effects on strike (Ruin's Edge), and a rather particular sword that changed its appearance and damage infliction every dusk and dawn). While she wouldn't have minded keeping that particular weapon in her personal armory, Xana refrained from using it because it was a bit too flashy for her taste. She liked the weapons she currently used because she had improved and modified them to her specific needs and desires. With that being said, she had also placed another set of armor from Alua's inventory on the cellar mannequin: it was black and dark green in color and was very seductive-looking, compared to some of her other sets. A blush dusted Xana's cheeks as she remembered the remark Odahviing had said regarding that armor set:
"After our kiir is born I would like you to wear that armor while I mount you in my true form."
She bit her lower lip as she tried to picture such an erotic scene, but was brought back to her senses when she heard her brothers enter through the front door. "Hey sis, we've finished harvesting the produce from your garden and caught a couple of rabbits to make stew for supper. Did you want Nessie to bake some bread to go with it," Sea asked.
She nodded, "That sounds great, but you guys don't have to do all this for me."
"Nonsense," Shore replied. "It's the least we can do after you and Odahviing have offered to house the three of us here. Besides, you're supposed to be taking the rest of your pregnancy easy. Let us help you."
A sigh was her response before she gave a nod, "Alright, you can help; but I want to be allowed to cook at least once every other day and I want to do some of the chores as well."
"You may sweep and dust, but only on the lower level of the house. Odahviing was very strict about not letting you scale the stairs because he's worried that you'll fall."
"Really? Not even if one of you walks behind me while I scale them?"
"Well, you'd have to ask him that. Basically, he doesn't want you doing anything dangerous or risky. He's just being protective of you, Xana," Sea assured and squeezed her shoulder.
*sigh* "I know...but he can be real broody sometimes." She then gave both of her brothers a hug before stepping outside where her mate was casually perched atop of the manor roof.
"Drem yol lok, dii brit fahliil," he stated with a sharp grin.
"And good day to you as well, my overprotective dovah," she crossed her arms and glanced up at him, "I heard that you don't want me climbing up the stairs to sweep or dust the furniture. Care to explain why you're acting like a mother hen?"
He emitted a 'hmm' sound before answering, "I do not wish harm upon you should you lose your balance. You may venture up the stairs so long as someone accompanies you to ensure your safety."
"I can see your reason, but I'm not helpless, Odahviing. I know how to care for myself and our little one, so I don't need you undermining my ability to care for another being and acting broody all the time," she huffed. "I already feel useless for not being able to fight off bandits, beasts and Thalmor in this condition; I don't need everyone, especially you, treating me like a fragile piece of glass." At this point her hormones were raging, causing her to tear up, to which Odahviing came down and draped a wing over her.
"Krosis, Xana...I did not mean for you to feel this way. I just wanted to keep you both safe. My intent was not to upset you."
"I know...I'm sorry for overreacting. I just get so emotional nowadays and it drives me crazy." She hugged his chest and breathed in his scent: he smelled like the cold mountain air mixed with a campfire and pine needles. "Odahviing...I know Danica said no long distance traveling, but I'd like to visit Paarthurnax and the Greybeards again sometime. I miss them…"
"Nid, Xana. I know you miss them, but I cannot allow you to fly in this condition. The last time you flew, you nearly fell off my neck. I can't have you risk your life and our kiir's life like that."
"But what if we made some sort of saddle with a harness to help keep me in place? Would that be a possibility? Please?" She looked up at him with those beautiful ruby eyes of hers and gave him the most puppy dog look he'd ever seen. How could he possibly say no?
With a slight growl, he emitted a long sigh, "Very well...but ONLY if your saddle passes my inspection and is up to my standards."
She emitted a giddy squeal and hugged him once more, to which he softened his gaze at her. Honestly, he despised the idea of wearing a saddle like some beast of burden, but for Xana he would tolerate it just to see her smile.